A Buyer’s Guide To Antony Gormley

Born in London in 1950, Gormley studied at Trinity College, Cambridge, and attended the Slade School of Fine Art. His name gained recognition in the 1980s after a solo show at Whitechapel Gallery, but it was his acclaimed series of sculptures titled Field (1993) that propelled him into the spotlight. The work consisted of thousands of small handmade clay figures, of which he was awarded the Turner Prize in 1994. In 1998 he completed Angel Of The North, one of his most notable works. Since, Gormley has created several large-scale installations and sculptures exhibited worldwide and featured in prestigious museums and galleries, including The British Museum, Tate Modern, the Guggenheim Bilbao and the Art Institute of Chicago. In 2014, Gormley was knighted for his services to the arts and culture.

Aside from his acclaimed sculptural practice, Gormley is also recognised for his prints, which are popular among art collectors. Gormley continues to work from his studio in London, and his creations are celebrated internationally by enthusiasts and collectors.

Antony Gormley’s work hugely influences the conceptual art scene, particularly in exploring the relationship between the viewer, the body and its surroundings. Critics and fellow artists admire his work for its originality, conceptual depth and technical skill. He utilises diverse materials, ranging from steel and bronze to ice and bread, blurring the boundaries of sculpture, installation and performance art. His experimental approach to materials, techniques, and scale is lauded and influential to many artists, including contemporary British artist Nathan Coley. Gormley’s use of the body as subject matter and medium continue to inspire aspiring artists to explore the body's shape in innovative ways.

Overall, Gormley's contributions to contemporary art are profound. Through his public installations, he has democratised access to art for all. His work challenges our understanding of space, perception, and the body and has inspired a new generation of artists to push the boundaries of what is possible in sculpture and installation art.

Antony Gormley’s prints are a unique investment popular among collectors worldwide. They are an accessible option for owning a piece of contemporary art and are an affordable alternative to his sculpture works. In addition to his international acclaim, which promotes the sustainability of his market, Gormley’s print market has demonstrated resilience during this period of economic uncertainty. Read more about sustaining contemporary print markets in our report.

Considering unprecedented downfalls, many collectors now recognise prints as a viable asset with the potential for long-term investment growth. Given the current status of Gormley's market, it is likely that his print works will continue to appreciate significantly in value over time.

Building an art collection over time is an enjoyable and rewarding experience. If you are considering acquiring Antony Gormley prints, it is important to consider the themes and motifs that interest you.

For example, do you want to focus on a particular series or collect prints that span Gormley's career? As your collection starts to develop, you may also want to consider working with an art portfolio management service to help keep track of your collection and make informed decisions about future purchases.

Our MyPortfolio service is a collections management tool that helps you store your collection data in one digital sphere. It also helps you stay updated on any fluctuations within the art market, helping you track your collection’s value.

The value of Antony Gormley's prints can vary greatly depending on several factors, including the rarity and condition of the work and also the desirability of the subject matter. When determining the value of a work, it is essential to consider general market trends, provenance and documentation accompanying the piece. Unless you have confidence in your expertise, it is highly suggested to seek the help of a specialist. At MyArtBroker, we work with a tailored team of experts with extensive knowledge of the art market and contemporary artists. We are always happy to provide a free valuation service. Get in touch for further details.

Antony Gormley’s prints span several decades and are a testament to his versatility as an artist. Gormley’s prints are characterised by their minimalist aesthetic and centre on the human body and its interconnectedness with space. His works are often monochromatic and use simple shapes and lines to convey complex ideas. Some notable examples include:

1. Etchings: created in 2016, this series is composed of linear etchings made with a hard needle and depict minimalistic human silhouettes at various levels of abstraction.
2. Bearing Light: This series of prints from 1990 is a reflection on the physical act of printing. The grain of the plywood on the plates is essential as it reflects on several contrasts between light and dark, mass and negative space, and the transfer of volume into silhouettes.
3. Copenhagen Editions: Made in 2013, these editions are a snapshot representing several of Gormley’s cultural concerns. History depicts a large group of black human silhouettes against a white background, echoing his iconic work Fields. In Life, a fluid imprint of the artist’s body illustrates his interest in human form while simultaneously addressing his own as a subject. Manifold reflects Gormley’s interest in architectural and geometric details as a reflection of our space.

As with any other, it is crucial to ensure authenticity when purchasing an Antony Gormley print. The artist hand-signs his prints and editions, and they are all sold with a certificate of authenticity. These, and any other documentation accompanying the work, are indicators of legitimacy. If you are unsure of any of these indicators, take advantage of specialists within the art market, like MyArtBroker, who are available and happy to offer informed advice on authentication.

Purchasing from a reputable dealer offers assurance and transparency regarding the quality and authenticity of the work. Auction houses and private dealers, such as  MyArtBroker, possess the specialist training to conduct the necessary due diligence to provide sound insight and sellers' knowledge of contemporary artists.

Antony Gormley prints his works on 100% cotton archival paper, the highest standard in durability and quality. Nevertheless, when purchasing any print, it is important to examine its condition carefully. Look for signs of damage, such as tears or creases, and check for any fading or discolouration. Inspecting the paper for any signs of damage caused by moisture or sunlight is recommended. If possible, ask to see the print outside its frame for a closer inspection. It is also good practice to request a condition report to be carried out by a professional.

Prints are fragile and susceptible to damage. We have compiled a guide to maintain and restore your artwork for your convenience. Maintaining your print quality with regular assessments by professional conservators to identify potential issues is also important. Signs of wear or damage must be promptly addressed to prevent further deterioration and preserve its value.

You can acquire Antony Gormley prints in several places, including galleries, art fairs, and online marketplaces. You can also work with a reputable art dealer or an online agency like MyArtBroker. Some online platforms might allow you to purchase directly from a private collector at a lower price. However, this heightens the risk of art fraud and potential scamming. Ensure your online source is credible by looking closely at reviews, conditions, and policies.

Auction houses have long been a traditional medium through which people have purchased blue chip art and prints. With their expertise, they can advise on authenticity and provenance and carry out a condition report. However, auctions occur at planned dates, and their dynamic format means that the prices cannot be fixed, often going for several times their estimated range during bidding. Additionally, there are added buyer’s fees, up to 27%, and additional transportation costs.

MyArtBroker provides the convenience of buying online and the confidence that comes with purchasing works reviewed by experts. MyArtBroker helps facilitate your purchase at every step, from sourcing to shipping, so you can be certain you have received the best possible terms.

A Dedicated Broker

MyArtBroker is a specialist art brokerage service that guides on building a collection and helping source prints from a  large network of collectors. MyArtBroker assigns a personal broker who works to find the piece you are looking for at the price you are willing to pay. Our experts' condition checks and research to ensure authentication so you have confidence before you buy. We also help arrange delivery for one less thing to worry about.

Our Network

Our global network consists of over 10,000 collectors buying and selling works daily on our Trading Floor, giving you real-time access to our market data. We also work closely with collectors, galleries and independent experts globally to ensure we only offer authentic Antony Gormley works in pristine condition. Our website has 40,000 visitors monthly, and we keep them up-to-date with new works, auction results and art news. We regularly publish informative essays that discuss the artist’s biography, track the artist’s market performance and analyse style and techniques.

MyArtBroker has access to a worldwide network of collectors selling Gormley artworks, so contact us today if you are interested in purchasing a Gormley print, and we will guide you through the process.

Collecting Antony Gormley Prints with MyArtBroker

At MyArtBroker, our goal is to simplify the process of purchasing prints. By offering free real-time market data, we are able to provide market transparency at a level that has not been seen before. We also offer a range of services that can be helpful for collectors at all levels, including valuations and portfolio management via MyPortfolio.